Deployable hardened housing units

ABSTRACT

The housing relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for robust, adaptable, and deployable computing devices and radio systems. An embodiment can be the housing for a C-sUAS that can be deployed to detect, identify, locate and defeat hostile sUASs and locate the sUAS operators and that can be ruggedized and efficiently deployed for use in various power- and space-constrained mobile platforms and at fixed locations. An embodiment can be housing for a C-sUAS that operates under severe environmental conditions.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/508,225, filed Jul. 10, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/729,336, filed Sep. 10, 2018, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

STATEMENT OF FEDERAL SUPPORT

This invention was made with the support of the U.S. government underContract Number N4175617C4785 awarded by the U.S. Navy EngineeringLogistics Office. The U.S. government has certain rights in thisinvention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods forrobust, adaptable, and deployable computing devices and radio systems.

BACKGROUND

Computers and radio-based devices can be found in a wide variety ofapplications. For example, radio stations can be stand-aloneinstallations that take up entire dedicated buildings. Other radio-baseddevices, such as mobile phones, can fit in our pockets. Computers canrange from large mainframes and server farms, filling up warehouses, tolaptops and mobile phones. Computers and radio-based devices can beutilized in various environments and theaters. Computers and radio-basedsystems for detection and mitigation of small unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) have become increasingly important. UAVs—termed small unmannedaircraft systems (sUASs) by the U.S. Department of Defense and theFederal Aviation Administration, and commonly called drones—haveproliferated in recent years. Inadvertent or unlawful misuse of sUASsposes an escalating threat to public safety. Particular safetychallenges can include sUASs intruding into restricted airspace aroundhigh-value assets such as airports, buildings, critical nationalinfrastructure, and stadiums, as well as hindering military and firstresponder activities.

SkyTracker® is a suite of sophisticated counter-small unmanned aircraftsystems (C-sUAS), offered by CACI, an industry leader in developing,deploying, and integrating systems of this nature. The SkyTracker suiteis comprised of different form factors designed to exploit the radiocommunication between sUASs and their controller. CACI's integratedsystem-of-systems approach, combined with precision detection, location,identification, tracking, and mitigation techniques, has for many yearsprovided solutions necessary to counter evolving sUAS threats and toprotect the warfighter, critical national security assets andinfrastructure, as well as the national airspace. For example, theSkyTracker suite includes CORIAN™, which provides the warfighter fixedsite force protection against sUAS threats.

SUMMARY

The present invention is generally directed to housings for computers,radios, and electronic componentry. An embodiment can be the housing fora C-sUAS that can be deployed to detect, identify, locate and defeathostile sUASs and locate the sUAS operators. C-sUAS can be installedwith and integrated with other computer and radio-based devices inspace-, weight-, and power constrained environments on various mobileplatforms (e.g., ships, HUMVEES, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs)) andat fixed locations. C-sUAS can be transported, installed and operatedunder severe environmental conditions and under conditions where time isof the essence.

An embodiment can be ruggedized for use in severe environmentalconditions and can include shock mounts and protrusions for efficientdeployment of the C-sUAS. Embodiments can incorporate protrusions thathave flexible mounting options that can be easily adapted for variousfixed site and mobile platform configurations. An embodiment of thehousing can have heat pipes that can be used in various weight-, power-and space-constrained mobile platforms and at fixed locations.

An aspect can include chassis for housing electronic componentry. Thesystem can have a chassis frame. The chassis frame can have a top plate,a bottom plate, and a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions canextend beyond the top plate and the bottom plate. The system can have afirst handle and a second handle. The handles can each be attached totwo of the protrusions. The system can further include an interfacepanel and a back panel. The interface and back panels can be located onthe chassis frame opposite one another. The system can include one ormore vents.

In some embodiments, the chassis frame can have shock mounts, which canhave bolt holes to facilitate securing the frame. The shock mounts canbe a monolithic component of the chassis frame or, alternatively, can beremovably attached to the frame, and/or part of a mounting rack formounting a chassis frame.

In other embodiments, the system can include a plurality of heat pipes.The heat pipes can be in thermal contact with the top plate and/or withthe back panel. In some embodiments, the system can include one or moreheat sinks, with or without thermal communication to any heat pipes. Theheat sinks can be with or without cooling fins. The heat sinks can beintegral and/or monolithic components of the panels and/or plates of thesystem, and the heat sinks can be located on the inside and/or theoutside of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the processor controlunit (PCU) includes heat pipes, which can combine thermal conductivityand phase transitions to release heat produced by processors. The hightemperature end of the heat pipes can be positioned so as to be inthermal contact with processors. The low temperature end of the heatpipes can be positioned so as to be in thermal contact with a side ofthe PCU. Alternatively, the low temperature end of the heat pipes can bein thermal contact with a heat sink. Heat pipes and/or heat sinks canobviate the need for fans or other electronics cooling systems which candecrease the size, weight, and power requirements of the SDR.

In yet other embodiments, the system can include one or more fans. Suchfans can be configured to draw air into the system from a first vent andto expel air from the system through a second vent.

In some embodiments, the system can be configured to communicate via awired interface to another chassis for housing electronic componentry.The system and/or the other chassis can further be configured tocommunicate via one or more antennae.

Another aspect can include a multi-chassis system for housing electroniccomponentry. The system can include a first and a second chassis frame,each having a top plate and a bottom plate as well as a back panel andan interface panel. The first and second chassis frames can each have aplurality of protrusions that extend beyond the top and bottom plates.The chassis frames can each have at least two handles. The handles caneach be attached to two of the protrusions. On each chassis, therespective back panel can be located on the chassis frame opposite theinterface panel. Each interface panel can have a first port. Each of thefirst ports can be configured to be coupled via a wired communicationlink to one another.

In some embodiments, the wired communication link can be configured tocarry communication signals between the interface panels. The wiredcommunication link can also be configured to carry electric power fromone interface panel to the other interface panel.

In other embodiments, an interface panel can include one or more Wi-Fiantenna ports. An interface panel can also include a high band antennaport, a low band antenna port, and/or a GPS antenna port.

In some embodiments, one or more of the chassis units of themulti-chassis system can include one or more vents. The chassis unitscan have one or more heat sinks. The chassis units can have heat pipes.The heat pipes can be in thermal contact with a heat sink. The heatpipes can be in thermal contact with a processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of certain embodiments of the present invention,in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the severalviews of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an antenna interface unitchassis.

FIG. 2 illustrates an overhead view of an antenna interface unitchassis.

FIG. 3 illustrates an interface panel of an antenna interface unitchassis.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side-view of an antenna interface unit chassis.

FIG. 5 illustrates an interface panel of an antenna interface unitchassis.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a processor control unitchassis.

FIG. 7 illustrates an overhead view of a processor control unit chassis.

FIG. 8 illustrates an interface panel of a processor control unitchassis.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side-view of a processor control unit chassis.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interface panel of a processor control unitchassis.

FIG. 11 illustrates a radio system embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an antenna interfaceunit chassis.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a processor controlunit chassis.

FIG. 14 illustrates an interior of a processor control unit having twosets of heat pipes.

FIG. 15 illustrates heat pipes.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary counter-unmanned aircraft system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed explanation of the system, method, and exemplary embodimentsof the present invention are described below. Exemplary embodimentsdescribed, shown, and/or disclosed herein are not intended to limit theclaims, but rather, are intended to instruct one of ordinary skill inthe art as to various aspects of the invention. Other embodiments can bepracticed and/or implemented without departing from the scope and spiritof the claimed invention.

Computers and radio-based devices often need to be deployed in harsh,dynamic, and unusual environments. For example, the Navy and Coast Guardincreasingly use advanced computer systems and radio stations on shipsthat were built decades ago and in locations that make them prone toimpacts and jostling. Operators can deploy systems in moving vehicles,temporary dwellings, and safe houses, none of which are ideal forcomputers and radio systems, which can include sensitive componentry.Accordingly, there is a need for robust and rugged systems for these andother harsh environments.

Although useful and adaptable for various computer and radio missions,embodiments can provide on-the-move force or fixed site protectionagainst hostile sUAS. A ruggedized, mobile platform embodiment canprecisely detect, identify, and/or mitigate sUAS threats via delivery ofsophisticated non-kinetic, non-attributable effects. Systems can havereduced size, weight, and power requirements and can be easily deployedin space-, weight-, and power-constrained environments such as invehicles and/or maritime vessels.

Embodiments can have protrusions, shock mounts, handles, and heat pipesthat can allow computer and radio-based devices to be ruggedized andefficiently deployed. For example, some embodiments can be housing forC-sUAS that can be installed in under one hour in a vehicle, such as asport utility vehicle (SUV), a HUMVEE, or a maritime vessel and canallow real-time situational awareness (SA) of a hostile sUAS threat. Itcan be ruggedized yet light enough for a two-person lift, and it canoperate under severe environmental conditions, such as large temperatureranges (0° C. to 60° C.), rain, salt spray/fog, snow, and dust.Embodiments can incorporate protrusions that prevent damage to systemexterior controls during transport, installation, and operation and haveflexible mounting options that can be easily adapted for various fixedsite and mobile platform configurations. A versatile power system can becapable of running off vehicle power, shore power, and/or optionalbattery pack. Embodiments can incorporate heat pipes that reduce size,weight, and power requirements of the computer or radio-based device.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a chassis for an antenna interface unit (AIU, 100).The AIU chassis can include a top plate (101) and a bottom plate (notshown). The AIU chassis can include protective protrusions (102) at eachof its four corners. Handles (103) can be attached to the side of thechassis at the protrusions to facilitate carrying of the AIU. FIG. 2shows how handles (103) can be located at the outside of the protrusionsto provide a distance from the AIU. FIG. 4 shows the handles attached byrivets or bolts (106). Handles (103) can provide further protection ofthe AIU and can be used with tie-downs to secure the AIU. The handlescan include a series of slots (115) as shown in FIG. 4. The slots can beutilized with a plurality of straps, which can be fed through the slotsto further secure the AIU.

Protrusions (102) can be shaped, for example as shown in FIG. 5, tofacilitate sliding the AIU chassis into and out of mounting racks (notshown). The mounting rack can have a correspondingly shaped slot toaccept the AIU chassis and secure the chassis from vertical andhorizontal movement. The corners of the protrusions can be faceted, forexample as shown in FIG. 4, to facilitate easier installation of thechassis in the mounting rack.

Shock mounts (104) can be located at various positions about the AIUchassis. The shock mounts can include bolt holes to facilitate hardmounting the AIU chassis. The AIU can be mounted in any orientation,which can allow the AIU to be located out of the way, such as verticallymounted on a wall or a ceiling, was well as in discrete or surreptitiouslocations. Compressible grommets can be placed between the shock mountsand the mounting surface to further protect the electronic componentryof the AIU. In an embodiment, three or more shock mounts can be utilizedto secure the AIU to a vehicle. Shock mounts can include compressiblegrommets, springs, and/or spacers, as well as, or alternatively,hydraulic or gas springs or shocks or other vibration or shock-isolatingcomponentry.

Interface panel (105) of the AIU can be configured according to userpreference and/or specific applications and/or requirements. FIG. 3illustrates an interface panel in an embodiment of the AIU chassis. TheAIU interface panel can include a power switch or toggle (116). Lights(117) on the interface panel can indicate various status data. Thelights can be general system indicators and/or indicators associatedwith specific ports (118). Dedicated ports (118) can be included on theinterface panel for communicating according to specific standards and/orsupporting peripheral devices. A port can be dedicated for powering theAIU. Other interface ports and jacks (119) can also be included.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the AIU chassis. According tothis embodiment, the interface panel can include a port for connectingto a high band antenna (107) and a port for connecting to a low bandantenna (108). The chassis can include a plurality of Wi-Fi antennae. Asshown, the AIU can connect to Wi-Fi Antenna 1 (109) and Wi-Fi Antenna 2(110). The AIU can also include a port for connecting to an antenna forsatellite-based geolocation. Here, GPS (Global Positioning System) isgiven as an example, but the system can utilize one or more othergeolocation satellite systems, such as GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou-2, andothers. The AIU chassis can further include a cable or multi-cableinterface connection (112), for example to facilitate communicationswith a computer controller. The AIU chassis can include indicator lights(113), which as an example are shown as power, status, and transmissionindicators. The AIU chassis can include one or more cooling vents. Asshown in the figure, the vent can be constructed of a sheet of strongmaterial, such as metal, having a pattern of holes to allow air to vent.The vent also, or alternatively, can include a screen and/or filter. Thevents can include high-flow, replaceable filter cartridges.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a chassis for a processor control unit (PCU, 200).The PCU chassis can include a top plate (201) and a bottom plate (notshown). The PCU chassis can include protective protrusions (202) at eachof its four corners. Handles (203) can be attached to the side of thechassis at the protrusions to facilitate carrying of the PCU. FIG. 7shows how handles (203) can be located at the outside of the protrusionsto provide a distance from the PCU. FIG. 9 shows the handles attached byrivets or bolts (206). Handles (203) can provide further protection ofthe PCU and can be used with tie-downs to secure the PCU. The handlescan include a series of slots as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. The slots canbe utilized with a plurality of straps, which can be fed through theslots to further secure the PCU.

Protrusions (202) can be shaped, for example as shown in FIG. 8, tofacilitate sliding the PCU chassis into and out of mounting racks (notshown). The mounting rack can have a correspondingly shaped slot toaccept the PCU chassis and secure the chassis from vertical andhorizontal movement. The corners of the protrusions can be faceted, forexample as shown in FIG. 9, to facilitate easier installation of thechassis in the mounting rack.

Shock mounts (204) can be located at various positions about the PCUchassis. The shock mounts can include bolt holes to facilitate hardmounting the PCU chassis. The PCU can be mounted in any orientation,which can allow the PCU to be located out of the way, such as verticallymounted on a wall or a ceiling, was well as in discrete or surreptitiouslocations. Compressible grommets can be placed between the shock mountsand the mounting surface to further protect the electronic componentryof the PCU. In an embodiment, three or more shock mounts andcompressible grommets can be utilized to secure the PCU to a vehicle.

Interface panel (205) of the PCU can be configured according to userpreference and/or specific applications and/or requirements. FIG. 8illustrates an interface panel in an embodiment of the PCU chassis. ThePCU interface panel can include a power switch and/or toggle (217)and/or one or more breakers (218, 219). Lights (227, 228) on theinterface panel can indicate various status data. The interface panellights can be general system indicators and/or indicators associatedwith configurable ports (226). Interface ports can be multi-pin ports(220, 221), axial ports (224), and/or multi-axial ports (222) can alsobe included. Other port types can be included on the interface panel,such as jacks (223, 225) and/or ports for interfacing with peripheraldevices.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the PCU chassis. According tothis embodiment, the PCU chassis can include indicator lights (208),which as an example are shown as indicators of status, power fromalternating current (AC), power from direct current (DC), and fault inthe DC power. Power can be supplied via AC power connector at the ACcircuit breaker assembly (215) and/or via DC power at the DC power input(210) at the DC circuit breaker (211). The PCU can be turned on and offvia power switch (216). The PCU chassis can include one or more coolingvents (214). As shown in the figure, the vent can be constructed of asheet of strong material, such as metal, having a pattern of holes toallow air to vent. The vents also, or alternatively, can include screensand/or filters, such as high-flow, replaceable filter cartridges. Theinterface panel (205) of the PCU can include a cable or multi-cableinterface connection or interconnect (209), as well as Ethernet ports(213), and/or a battery monitor port (212). The interconnect can, forexample, facilitate communications with an antenna interface unit.

FIG. 11 illustrates a system that can include an AIU (100) and a PCU(200). The AIU and PCU can be interconnected via interface cable (301).The interface cable can be of various lengths to facilitate on-siteconfiguration of the AIU/PCU system. For example, the interface cablecan be a meter or two, or the interface cable can be several tens ofmeters. The AIU can be communicatively connected to antennae (302-306).For example, in an embodiment, the AIU can be connected to high bandantenna (302), low band antenna (303), a first Wi-Fi antenna (304), asecond Wi-Fi antenna (305), and a GPS antenna (306). Connecting theseparate units via the interface cable can allow the AIU to be placednearer the antennae than the PCU. This can facilitate locating the PCUin a cooler and/or more protected environment than the AIU. Whether theantennae are configured to communicate according to a digital or analogprotocol, the physical communications themselves are necessarily analogin nature. Accordingly, locating the AIU nearer the antennae can alsofacilitate handling of analog signals at the point of reception ortransmission, which can improve signal quality and reduce noise.Further, communication via the interface cable can be digital, either byconversion of analog signals to digital signals by the AIU or by digitalsignals sent from the PCU to the AIU, whether or not for subsequentconversion to analog.

Computers and radio equipment can generate significant heat. Priorsolutions can require much more space and can be less efficient thanimplementations disclosed herein, and such electronics and radio systemswere subject to failure without air conditioning to prevent overheating.The AIU and PCU chassis can advantageously include heat-transfer devicesto dissipate such heat energy without air conditioning. For example, topplate (101, 201) can be a heat sink. The back panel can also be a heatsink. FIG. 12 illustrates an AIU chassis having an alternative AIUheatsink (401) with fins. Similarly, FIG. 13 illustrates a PCU having analternative PCU heatsink (501) with fins. Embodiments can provideimportant advantages in cooling electronic and/or radio systems.

In a preferred embodiment, the PCU chassis includes heat pipes, whichcombine thermal conductivity and phase transitions to release heatproduced by processors of the PCU. FIG. 14 illustrates the interior of aPCU chassis. The high temperature end of the heat pipes (601) can bepositioned so as to be in thermal contact with processors. The lowtemperature end of the heat pipes can be positioned so as to be inthermal contact with the back side of the chassis, as shown for examplein FIG. 15. Alternatively, the low temperature end of the heat pipes canbe in thermal contact with a heat sink, such as top plate (101, 201) or,alternatively, the heat sinks of FIGS. 12 and/or 13. It should beunderstood that heat pipes can similarly be advantageously utilized inthe AIU chassis.

The heat pipes and heat sinks discussed herein can obviate the need forfans. Fans can be employed to increase the rate of heat dissipation. Inanother embodiment, the heat sinks of FIGS. 12 and 13 can be disposedwithin the chassis, i.e. under the top plate (101, 201). Fans can drawair into the chassis from vents (114, 214) and blow air through the finsof the heat sink (401, 501), and air can exit the chassis through ventsin the back plate of the chassis. Fans can be similarly employed withoutthe need for finned heat sinks. In a preferred embodiment, the AIUchassis and the PCU chassis can each further include an internal platebelow top plate (101, 201). The internal plate can hermetically seal theelectronic componentry within the chassis, and can include a heatsink.Vents (114, 214), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, can channel air through oneor more ducts that can be in thermal communication with the heat sink.

The frame of the chassis (100, 200) is preferably metal, though othermaterials are contemplated. In a preferred embodiment, the chassis frameis constructed of aluminum or steel, which can provide both good thermalconductivity and protection from physical impacts. Portions of thesystem, such as the handles etc., can include material having lowerconductivity, to protect nearby objects and/or persons from overheatingand/or burning. In some embodiments, the frame is between three to tenmillimeters in thickness. The plates of the chassis are preferably metalone to ten millimeters thick. The plates can be attached to the frame ofthe chassis by rivets or bolts. Alternatively, the frame and one or moreplates can be constructed as a monolithic structure. An advantage ofembodiments can be modularization of the chassis, which can facilitatefitting the systems in small spaces and accompanying other racks ofunrelated electronic equipment. Other advantages can include protectionof system controls from being damaged and/or inadvertently moved if thesystem is set on its side and/or impacted by persons or objects.

The chassis can include internal mounts for mounting computer and radiocomponentry within the chassis. The mounts can be shock mounts,including, for example, compressible dampeners and/or springs.

A C-sUAS can include non-kinetic, non-attributable (i.e., the origin ofthe countermeasures cannot be attributed to a specific location)countermeasures built upon a flexible software-defined radio (SDR)architecture to keep pace with the world's rapidly expanding sUAS threatenvironment. A C-sUAS embodiment is shown in FIG. 16. The C-sUAS caninclude subsystems such as an antenna subsystem, an Antenna InterfaceUnit (AIU), and interconnect cable, a Processor Control Unit (PCU), anda user interface, such as a laptop. The antenna subsystem can beinstalled, as shown, on the exterior of a vehicle, or it can beinstalled in the interior of a vehicle or even at a fixed site. Theantenna subsystem can be connected to the antenna interface unit via RFcabling. The antenna interface unit can be connected to the processingunit through an interconnect cable. A laptop can be connected to theprocessing unit, for example by a standard Ethernet cable.

Embodiments can be deployed without impairment in high temperature andextreme vibration environments. The AIU and the PCU disclosed anddescribed herein can meet and/or exceed environmental requirements ofmilitary standard MIL-STD-810G. For example, embodiments can meettemperature and humidity (0° C. to 60° C. and 5% to 95% humidity), rain(4″ per hour), ice (½″ accumulation), salt fog (48-hour exposure), shockand vibration (from rough road conditions and vessel-mounting), transitdrop (transit case protection), and wind (100 mph).

All of the systems disclosed and claimed herein can be made andimplemented without undue experimentation in light of the presentdisclosure. While the apparatus of this invention have been described interms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill inthe art that variations may be applied to the systems and apparatusdescribed herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope orthe invention. In addition, from the foregoing it will be seen that thisinvention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects setforth above, together with other advantages. It will be understood thatcertain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employedwithout reference to other features and sub-combinations. This iscontemplated and within the scope of the appended claims. All suchsimilar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in theart are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A chassis for housing electroniccomponentry, the chassis comprising: a chassis frame including a topplate and a bottom plate; an interface panel located on the chassisframe and disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate; a backpanel located on the chassis frame opposite the interface panel, theback panel disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate; aprotective protrusion located at a corner of the chassis frame andextending beyond the top plate and the bottom plate, the protectiveprotrusion configured to protect the interface panel duringtransportation, installation, and operation of the chassis; and acooling vent in one of the interface panel and the back panel, thecooling vent configured to channel air through the chassis.
 2. Thechassis according to claim 1, wherein the protective protrusion isconfigured to facilitate sliding the chassis into and out of a mountingrack.
 3. The chassis according to claim 2, wherein a corner of theprotective protrusion is faceted.
 4. The chassis according to claim 1,wherein the chassis is configured to be mounted in one of a verticalposition and a horizontal position.
 5. The chassis according to claim 1,wherein the interface panel includes an interface connection configuredto communicate with one of a processor control unit and an antennainterface unit.
 6. The chassis according to claim 5, wherein theinterface panel further includes a port for interfacing with aperipheral device.
 7. The chassis according to claim 1, furthercomprising a shock mount configured to secure the chassis frame.
 8. Thechassis according to claim 1, further comprising a heat transfer deviceconfigured to dissipate heat from the chassis.
 9. The chassis accordingto claim 1, further comprising an internal mount for mounting theelectronic componentry within the chassis frame.
 10. A multi-chassissystem for housing electronic componentry, the multi-chassis systemcomprising: a first chassis frame having a first top plate and a firstbottom plate; a first interface panel located on the first chassis frameand disposed between the first top plate and the first bottom plate; afirst back panel located on the first chassis frame opposite the firstinterface panel, the first back panel disposed between the first topplate and the first bottom plate; a first protective protrusionextending beyond the first top plate and the first bottom plate, thefirst protective protrusion configured to protect the first interfacepanel; a second chassis frame having a second top plate and a secondbottom plate; a second interface panel located on the second chassisframe and disposed between the second top plate and the second bottomplate, the second interface panel configured to be coupled to the firstinterface panel via a communication link; a second back panel located onthe second chassis frame opposite the second interface panel, the secondback panel disposed between the second top plate and the second bottomplate; a second protective protrusion extending beyond the second topplate and the second bottom plate, the second protective protrusionconfigured to protect the second interface panel; and a wiredcommunication link configured to carry communication signals between thefirst interface panel and the second interface panel, wherein the wiredcommunication link is further configured to carry electric power fromthe first interface panel to the second interface panel.
 11. Themulti-chassis system of 10, wherein the first protrusion is configuredto protect the first interface panel during transportation,installation, and operation of the multi-chassis system, and wherein thesecond protrusion is configured to protect the second interface panelduring transportation, installation, and operation of the multi-chassissystem.
 12. The multi-chassis system of claim 11, wherein the secondinterface panel further comprises at least one of a first Wi-Fi antennaport, a second Wi-Fi antenna port, a high band antenna port, a low bandantenna port, and a GPS antenna port.
 13. The multi-chassis system ofclaim 11, wherein the first and second chassis frames further compriseinternal mounts for mounting the electronic componentry within therespective chassis frames.
 14. A method comprising: providing a systemcomprising a processor control unit chassis operably coupled to anantenna interface unit chassis, the processor control unit chassisincluding a first interface panel and first electronic componentry, andthe antenna interface unit chassis including a second interface paneland second electronic componentry; detecting, via the system, anunmanned aircraft system entering restricted airspace; and locating, viathe system, the unmanned aircraft system based on the detecting step.15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising identifying,via the system, the unmanned aircraft system based on the detectingstep.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprisingmitigating, via the system, a threat of the unmanned aircraft systembased on the detecting step, wherein the mitigating step includesdelivering a non-kinetic, non-attributable signal.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 14, further comprising: connecting the processorcontrol unit chassis and the antenna interface unit chassis by acommunication link; carrying signals between the first interface paneland the second interface panel via the communication link; and carryingelectric power from the first interface panel to the second interfacepanel via the communication link, wherein the system is a counterunmanned aircraft.
 18. The method according to claim 14, furthercomprising: protecting the first electronic componentry by providing theprocessor control unit chassis with a first protective protrusionextending beyond the first interface panel, a first heat sink includingfirst fins, a first heat pipe disposed inside the processor control unitchassis, and a first cooling vent; protecting the second electroniccomponentry by providing the antenna interface unit chassis with asecond protective protrusion extending beyond the second interfacepanel, a second heat sink including second fins, a second heat pipedisposed inside the processor control unit chassis, and a second coolingvent; and securing the processor control unit chassis and the antennainterface unit chassis to an object via shock mounts.